Catwoman #7 Review

Is Selina due for a new partner?

Catwoman is one of several New 52 books that seems intent on building a new supporting cast rather than using established characters. Judd Winick has already introduced a new fence and a new GCPD rival for Selina Kyle, and in issue #7 he adds a character that may or may not turn out to be Selina's new partner in crime. None of the new characters display much depth yet, but at least the book is slowly developing a sense of identity.

Issue #7 is relatively more lighthearted than recent installments, with Selina reveling in the joys of thievery and pushing the buttons of her new handler. The script doesn't rely overly much on either sex or gratuitous violence, which is always nice. Winick clearly has a decent handle on his lead heroine. Again, it's really the fledgling supporting cast that need some fleshing out.

Guillem March is unexpectedly absent this month, making way for Adriana Melo. The good news is that the difference is easy to miss at first glance. Melo delivers a similar bright, energetic, and almost manga-influenced style, though some of the fluidity of March's work is absent.

It's still unclear whether this book can really hold its own over the long term. The building blocks are in place, but Winick needs to do more to push the characters and conflicts along.